The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has hailed Etisalat for its key role in stirring competition in the telecommunications industry.

ALTON is the body for telecommunications companies and providers of subsidiary services to telecoms in the West African nation.

ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said Etisalat’s vibrant role in stirring competition through provision of affordable voice service, delivery of broadband, 3G data service and low interconnection rates was highly commendable in boosting mobiles and telecoms in Nigeria.

Adebayo also praised the pace in which innovative packages in the industry is taking shape saying communication was becoming smooth in the West African nation.

“That your products and services have set you apart for innovation is never in doubt, we can only request that you continue to provide best quality services at affordable prices for Nigerians, thereby staying true to the very essence of your exciting 0809ja brand.

Adebayo said number portability, quality of service, interconnection rates, and market competition amongst others, were salient issues which the telecoms industry had to address in efforts aimed at resolving communication barriers.

Speaking at the same event, Etisalat Chief Executive Officer, Steven Evans, said there was a need for improvement on the quality of service by operators arguing that without a healthy telecoms industry, many other areas of the economy would not be able to reach their potential.

“We will continue to invest heavily on our network so that we can achieve what is expected of us by Nigerians by delivering the best quality services.

“We are also going to intensify our efforts on delivering broadband services because it is very clear that broadband is the next big deal in terms of services to be delivered through GSM operators and we want to make sure that we are appropriately positioned to deliver on it,” said Evans.

While reaffirming Etisalat’s support and readiness to work with the association to achieve its objectives, Evans said ELTON should continue in its efforts at influencing the government on the provision of infrastructure and regulation issues.